Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in a ceremony held at Islamabad formally inaugurated the net metering system in Pakistan.
Speaking at ceremony of power consumer friendly net-metering framework, the Prime Minister stated that net metering system is a step towards cheap, efficient and more sustainable energy in the country. The Prime Minister said that the concept of net metering is simple but changes are major and will bring benefits only if it is made available to the common man. He said that after the net-metering framework, the domestic consumers will also be able to sell their surplus electricity to the local distribution companies. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would now be a step closer towards achieving its global climate change commitments.
Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari stated that net metering was a successful international phenomenon and was financially viable for household users. The minister added that a new legislation is in final stages for five years National Electricity Plan envisaging road map for future power generation projects, pricing issues and setting the highest standards for power consumers.
The government, Leghari stated, is upbeat that the net metering system will lead to addition of at least 2000-3000MW electricity in the national grid.
The Prime Minister further stated that the government has also been able to improve energy mix during the last three years by adding wind, solar and shifting expensive fuel power plants to imported gas, etc. He said that the country is now utilizing a healthier diversified energy mix of hydel, nuclear, coal, LNG, besides solar and wind generation.
